up next, how will pope benedict spend his last 2 weeks as head of the roman catholic church. >> horror stories from those on board that stranded cruise ship. an update from that ship still in the gulf of mexico and >>> you guys, tomorrow's the first day of lent when catholics fast for 40 days. some catholics will give up chocolates one will give up alcohol and one catholic will give up being pope. >>> today is ash wednesday, the first day of lent and pope benedict is speaking for the first time since he announced he'll be retiring. >> the conclave says the mission to choose the next pope will begin no later than the 15th. allen pizzey has more. good morning. >> reporter: good morning. the audience is usually full. today it was packed. it was the first chance the public had a chance to hear from the pope since he announced his resignation. he asked them to pray for him, for the church and for his successor, and then he explained why he did what he did. he said, quote, i did this in full freedom for the good of the church and having prayed for a long time and having examined my conscienc